He was born Sept. 30, 1934, in Elkhart, Ind., and has resided in Bay City for many years.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bay City Country Club, Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port, Fla., and the B.P.O.E. Lodge 88. Bill owned and operated restaurants in Bay City and Midland since 1964. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time at Liberty Harbor Marina and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, the former Carly A. Cull; two daughters and one son-in-law, Stephaney and Brendan Larue and Stacey Bell; two sons and one daughter-in-law, David and Anne Bell and James Bell; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his stepchildren, Stacey (Elder) Weiss, Joseph Weiss, B.J. and Sherie Elder and Melissa and Derek (Elder) Crockett; his brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Bill Bell; his parents; one brother; and two sisters.

The funeral liturgy was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2013, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Celebrant was the Rev. Father Robert S. Gohm, with a private Rite of Committal in Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Friends called at Gephart Funeral Home Inc. from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013. The Vigil for the Deceased was at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the funeral home. Mr. Bell’s body was taken to the church Monday, April 22, to lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

For those planning an expression of sympathy the family ask that you consider a memorial to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or University of Michigan Cancer Research.